Charles Barkley issues strong criticism of Joel Embiid, says Team USA center should be embarrassed by Olympic performance

Charles Barkley joined Monday’s episode of “Podcast P with Paul George” and delivered strong criticism of Joel Embiid and his string of lackluster performances with Team USA at the 2024 Olympic Games.

Barkely, no stranger in voicing his opinion, made remarks that Embiid is out-of-shape and that he should be embarrassed with his performances in Paris.

Charles Barkley on Joel Embiid:

Charles Barkley says Joel Embiid is out of shape and should be embarrassed by his Olympic performance

“I think that's one of the reasons he's always injured. I don't think he's in good enough shape…You got to be a little bit embarrassed by the way you played.”

(Via… pic.twitter.com/FPqfeWIpzr

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 5, 2024

“I think that’s one of the reasons he’s always injured. I don’t think he’s in good enough shape..You got to be a little bit embarrassed by the way you played.” [Podcast P]

Charles Barkley tells Paul George on his podcast Joel Embiid is Out of Shape & should be embarrassed at Olympics

"I hope this is a wake-up… He has not played well + I'm hoping he's like, 'I got to get in better shape.’ You got to be a little bit embarrassed”

Via @PodcastPShow pic.twitter.com/r1o8lA7nNt

— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) August 6, 2024

I would assume that the episode was recorded before Team USA faced Puerto Rico in their final group stage match on Saturday? Also, Charles Barkley calling anyone out of shape is rich but expected from someone who operates with no filter – which I respect.

Listen, at the end of the day, Joel Embiid is a massive human being and it takes time to get the motor running. Everyone in Philadelphia is very familiar with that and honestly, Charles Barkley should be too. Of course, admitting that doesn’t draw the headlines and engagement on social media so Barkley’s comments were again, expected.

Like clockwork, the past two games with Team USA have been significantly better for Joel Embiid. He finished with 15 points, three rebounds and two assists on 6-of-14 shooting in Saturday’s 100-74 victory over Puerto Rico and followed up his strong performance today against Brazil, dropping 14 points on 5-6 shooting from the floor and 3-3 shooting from beyond the arc to go along with 7 rebounds.

Joel Embiid erupts in Team USA’s 122-87 win over Brazil in quarter-finals >>

Team USA cruised past Brazil in their first game of the knockout stage with a dominant 122-87 victory. Eight teams advanced out of the group stage and entered the knockout stage – a single-elimination format to continue their quest for Olympic gold.

ROAD TO GOLD 🥇

Men’s #Basketball Quarter-Finals are here 🔥#Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/rCdpqMzulb

— FIBA (@FIBA) August 3, 2024

Team USA remains the odds-on favorite, entering the quarterfinals as the No. 1 seed after going undefeated in Group C with the tournament’s best point differential, outscoring Serbia, South Sudan and Puerto Rico by a combined 67 points.

Following today’s win against Brazil, Team USA will now face Serbia who mounted a 24-point comeback victory against Australia in overtime to advance. Nikola Jokic 21/14/8 and 4 steals in the win. On the other side of the bracket, you have France and Germany who both one their respective quarterfinals matchups to stay alive in Paris.

THE SEMIFINALS ARE SET 🚨

USA 🇺🇸 vs. Serbia 🇷🇸

France 🇫🇷 vs. Germany 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/gd5kjnUfPm

— Overtime (@overtime) August 6, 2024

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